Buick Encore
1.4-liter turbo four with port injection, 138 hp. Intake manifold PCV check valve fails at near-100% rate, water pumps weep, turbo oil lines coke up. 2016–2017 units also suffer cracked pistons. A repair-intensive engine.
Permanent construction site under the hood
PCV valve, turbo oil lines, water pump — the 1.4T is a repair rollercoaster. Cheap to buy, expensive to keep running.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Turbocharger oil and coolant feed lines coke up or collapse, leading to turbo failure. GM Special Coverage A212338300 covers 10 yr/120k mi.
Symptoms: Burnt oil smell, power loss, blue smoke, turbo noise
Early LUV pistons had cracking issues causing severe oil consumption. GM resolved after 2017. Engine replacement often the only fix.
Symptoms: Heavy blue smoke, oil consumption over 1 qt per 1,000 mi, engine knock
The orange rubber check valve in the intake manifold dislodges and burns up. Near-100% failure rate. Valve cover usually needs replacing too. $800–$1,200 combined.
Symptoms: Underboost codes, rough idle, whistling from intake, power loss
Water pump seal leaks at the weep hole. GM extended warranty coverage to 150,000 miles due to prevalence.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, spot under engine, overheating in hot weather
The plastic coolant outlet housing near head and turbo cracks under thermal cycling. Metal upgrade recommended.
Symptoms: Visible coolant at outlet housing, longer warm-up, coolant loss
Valve cover develops oil leaks, related to PCV pressure spikes. Often replaced with intake manifold.
Symptoms: Oil drops on cylinder head, burnt oil smell
Vehicle Weaknesses 5
The 6T40 automatic exhibits harsh downshifts, shuddering, and gear slippage. Individual solenoids cannot be replaced — entire control module replacement required.
A/C compressor fails on early model years. Average repair around $900.
Parasitic current draw drains the battery. OnStar module and infotainment identified as common causes.
Canister purge valve sticks open. TSB 23-NA-119 documents the issue. Causes hard starts and engine stumble.
Clearcoat peels especially on hood and roof. Cosmetic issue without a shop fix.
Top Reported Issues
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All Buick models Encore Gamma-II overview